PM sees "strong way forward" for Iraq

Tony Blair insisted that the Iraq Study Group's (ISG) report offered a "strong way forward'' for the US and Britain, following talks with President Bush in Washington.

The ISG was created in March 2006 to conduct a "forward-looking, bipartisan assessment of the situation in Iraq, its impact on the surrounding region, and consequences for U.S. interests." The Prime Minister addressed the group last month.

In a joint press conference earlier today, Mr Blair said Iraq needed more support for governance, security and capability.

"There is much we are doing but can do even more, in order to make sure they are supported in the vital work that they do."

He called on everybody involved in Iraq to fulfil their responsibilities in supporting Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki to ensure that the country could proceed "in the democratic and non-sectarian way''.

The Prime Minister also repeated his call for a renewed effort to secure peace between Israel and Palestine.

"It is important that we do everything we can to bring about peace between Israel and the Palestinians."

Mr Blair said that the consquences of failure in Iraq were "severe". He added that the "right way forward" would require everybody to "face up to their responsibilites" and "have the right vision."

On arriving in the US last night Mr Blair went straight into a meeting on climate change with senators including possible 2008 presidential candidate John McCain.

Later today he will meet Congressional leaders and members of the Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations committees to discuss Iraq, the Middle East, trade, Africa and Darfur.

This visit comes at a critical moment on several issues, with a renewed focus on the Arab/Israeli conflict, the Iraq Study Group's review of policy in Iraq, the situation in Darfur and the growing momentum on climate change.

It is also the chance to drive the Gleneagles Africa promises forward under German Chancellor Merkel's G8 leadership and the opportunity to give fresh momentum to the WTO trade talks.

By 10 Downing Street